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1 Timothy Chapter 6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 21 Verses

What is 1 Timothy 6 about?

Paul's instructions to Timothy on church leadership, sound doctrine, and conduct in God's household. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
3If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain:
7for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
8but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
9But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
13I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;
14that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen.
17Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is [life] indeed.
20O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto [thee], turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
21which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.
← 1 Timothy 5

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke, etc.] Not under the yoke of the law of God, or under the yoke of Christ; though the servants here spoken of were under both; but “under the yoke of government”, as the Arabic version renders it; that is, under the yoke of men, in a state of servitude, under the government of masters, and in their service; being either apprentices to them, or bought with their money, or hired by them: count their own masters worthy of all honour; and give it to them; which includes subjection to them; obedience to all their lawful commands, which are consistent with religion and reason,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“EXHORTATIONS AS TO DISTINCTIONS OF CIVIL RANK; THE DUTY OF SLAVES, IN OPPOSITION TO THE FALSE TEACHINGS OF GAIN-SEEKERS; TIMOTHY'S PURSUIT IS TO BE GODLINESS, WHICH IS AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION: SOLEMN ADJURATION TO DO SO AGAINST CHRIST'S COMING; CHARGE TO BE GIVEN TO THE RICH. CONCLUDING EXHORTATION. (1Ti. 6:1-21) servants--to be taken as predicated thus, "Let as many as are under the yoke (as) slaves" (Tit 2:9). The exhortation is natural as there was a danger of Christian slaves inwardly feeling above their heathen masters. their own masters--The phrase "their own," is an argument for submissiveness; it is not…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Let as many servants - On the word here rendered “servants” - δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Ephesians 6:5. The word is that which was commonly applied to a slave, but it is so extensive in its signification as to be applicable to any species of servitude, whether voluntary or involuntary. If slavery existed in Ephesus at the time when this Epistle was written, it would be applicable to slaves; if any other kind of servitude existed, the word would be equally applicable to that. There is nothing in the word itself which essentially limits it to slavery; examine Matthew 13:27; Matthew 20:27; Mark 10:44; Luke…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“Let servants under the yoke - Of heathen masters. Account them worthy of all honour - All the honour due from a servant to a master. Lest the name of God and his doctrine be blasphemed - As it surely will, if they do otherwise. 1 Timothy 6:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“6:1 Both unbelieving and believing masters should be treated with respect, which will bring honor rather than shame to God’s name (see study note on 5:1–6:2).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“servants: Deu 28:48; Isa 47:6, Isa 58:6; Mat 11:9, Mat 11:30; Act 15:10; Co1 7:21, Co1 7:22; Gal 5:1 count: Gen 16:9, Gen 24:2, Gen 24:12, Gen 24:27, 35-67; Kg2 5:2, Kg2 5:3, Kg2 5:13; Mal 1:6; Act 10:7, Act 10:22; Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-25; Tit 2:9; Pe1 2:17-20 that the: Ti1 5:14; Gen 13:7, Gen 13:8; Sa2 12:14; Neh 9:5; Isa 52:5; Eze 36:20, Eze 36:23; Luk 17:1; Rom 2:24; Co1 10:32; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:8, Tit 2:10; Pe1 2:12, Pe1 3:16 1 Timothy 6:2”
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